Did you catch this last night on the news? Governor Mike Dunleavy has signed SB 174, a law that prohibits discrimination against Black hairstyles in schools (also known as the Crown Act).

The bill was introduced by Sen. David Wilson, R-Wasilla, and cross-sponsored by Sen. Elvi Gray-Jackson, D-Anchorage. School dress codes would be prohibited from banning hairstyles like afros, cornrows and braids. Schools would be barred from requiring students to alter their hair.

Legislative committees heard testimony from Alaskans who had experienced discrimination due to their hairstyles, in addition to testimony about the dangers and pain of using chemical relaxers.

The new law also prohibits schools from banning students who wish to wear traditional and cultural regalia at graduation ceremonies.